U.S. Continues To Enforce Maritime Blockade Against Iran as IRGC Navy Asserts Coordination Over Strait of Hormuz Transits

STRAIT OF HORMUZ — U.S. Central Command continued enforcement of the maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports on May 20, deploying a U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter to patrol near a commercial vessel transiting regional waters.

According to U.S. Central Command, 90 vessels have been redirected as of May 20, and 4 others disabled since the operation began to enforce compliance with restrictions on commerce entering or exiting Iranian ports.

U.S. Navy surface combatants supporting the blockade included USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transiting the Arabian Sea, and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) conducting watch operations in the combat information center on the same date.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy asserted that 26 ships, including container tankers and other commercial vessels, passed through the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours under its coordination and security on May 20.

The IRGC statements, issued in Persian and English, emphasized that all traffic occurs with permission and in coordination with its forces.

U.S. Navy assets including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) maintained presence in the Arabian Sea during the reporting period.

The continued operations reflect a sustained U.S. pressure on Iranian maritime access alongside Iranian efforts to maintain operational control over the critical choke-point.

IRGC Navy Hormuz Transit Assertion

The IRGC Navy Command stated that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues with authorization and under its security protocols on May 20.

The statements specified that 26 vessels transited in the preceding 24 hours. Iranian messaging frames this as evidence of continued functionality and de facto oversight despite external restrictions.

The Persian-language statement from the IRGC Navy account read in translation that 26 ships including oil tankers, container vessels, and other commercial ships crossed the strait with IRGC Navy coordination and security provision.

Assessment: The claimed 26-vessel daily tally represents a significant reduction from pre-crisis averages exceeding 100 daily transits. By asserting coordination and security, the IRGC positions itself as the controlling authority for safe passage while avoiding explicit claims of closure.

Independent AIS or satellite confirmation of the exact figure remains pending, leaving the assertion as an Iranian operational claim subject to further maritime tracking verification.

What to Watch

• Successive CENTCOM updates for changes in daily redirected or disabled vessel counts, with specific attention to surface combatants such as USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) and rotary-wing assets including the AH-1Z Viper and CH-53E.

• IRGC Navy or Iranian state media releases on Hormuz transit numbers and any adjustments to authorization protocols.

• Commercial maritime data from UKMTO, Lloyd’s List Intelligence, or AIS providers showing actual daily transits versus claimed figures.

• Any incidents involving small craft, drones, or warnings near the Strait of Hormuz or Arabian Gulf approaches.

Official Statements

• U.S. Central Command, May 20: “A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter patrols near a commercial vessel transiting regional waters as American forces enforce the maritime blockade against Iran. As of May 20, U.S. forces have redirected 85 ships as of May 18 (latest corroborated cumulative; incremental daily reporting continues per CENTCOM pattern) and disabled 4 to ensure compliance.”
• U.S. Central Command, May 19: “CENTCOM forces continue total enforcement of the U.S. blockade against Iran, stopping the flow of commerce into and out of Iranian ports. 89 commercial vessels have been redirected to ensure compliance.”
• U.S. Central Command, May 19: “A U.S. Sailor stands watch aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as the aircraft carrier transits the Arabian Sea, May 18. CENTCOM forces have redirected 88 commercial vessels, and disabled 4 to ensure total compliance.”
• U.S. Central Command, May 18: “CENTCOM continues to strictly enforce the U.S. blockade against Iranian ports. U.S. forces have now redirected 85 ships as of May 18 (latest corroborated cumulative; incremental daily reporting continues per CENTCOM pattern) to ensure full compliance.”
• U.S. Central Command, May 18: “U.S. Sailors stand watch in the combat information center aboard USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) as the ship transits the Arabian Sea supporting the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran. As of May 18, CENTCOM forces have redirected 84 commercial vessels and disabled 4.”
• U.S. Central Command, May 15: “A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E heavy-lift helicopter takes off from the flight deck of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), May 15. The CH-53E can support rapid delivery of payloads, carrying up to 36,000-pounds.”
• IRGC Navy Command (War Message Center), May 20: “Over the past 24 hours, 26 ships, including container tankers and other commercial vessels, passed through the Strait of Hormuz with the coordination and security of the IRGC Navy. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is being carried out with permission and in coordination with the IRGC Navy.”